Introduction

Many people have asked, "Why 'Ichthux'?" and, "Why open source?" so here in the introduction we will try to answer those questions. We also have compiled a list of features for you to see what's in Ichthux.

What is Ichthux?

Ichthux is an operating system aimed at Christian users. It is based on Kubuntu in order to provide the best desktop environment of the moment, together with Christian programs and settings.

Ichthux is not provided as a download on it's own, as it is based on Kubuntu. To install Ichthux, follow the instructions provided on the Get Ichthux page.

Ichthux installs the following software:

  • Christian emoticons for Kopete
  • BibleTime - a Bible study tool based on the Sword project.
  • Ichthux artwork

Why Ichthux?

The name Ichthux comes from the Greek word ichthus, which means fish. The ichthus fish, drawn with two crossed arcs, is a long-used symbol among Christians, as the word Ichthus (Ιχθυς, Greek for fish) is an acronym, which is a word formed from the initial letters of the several words in the name. It compiles to the following: "Jesus Christ, God's Son, is Saviour"

Ichthus fish

I is the first letter of the word Jesus in Greek: Ιησους (Iesous)

CH are the first letters of the word Christ: Χριστου (Christou)

TH are the first letters of the Greek word for God: Θεου (Theou)

U is the first letter for the Greek word for son: Υιος (Uios)

S is the first letter for the Greek work for saviour: Σοτηρ (Soter)

The X in the end of the name Ichthux is a common termination in the *nix world, of which Linux has become an important part.

In the early times of Christianity, Christians who were persecuted by Rome met in the catacombs. When two met, one would draw an arc in the sand with his sandal, and the other would have to complete the picture with another arc, thus drawing an ichthus on the floor. This was then the sign that they were both Christians.

Why Open-Source Software?

Why open-source software?

Freely you have received, freely give (Matth 10:8)

We believe that open-source software with the Christian values and that Linux has its place in churches, Bible schools and Christian homes. Ichthux will always be open-source and free of charge.

Our joint Ubuntu/Debian team ensures software quality by giving back to each related project.

Rev. Don Parris tells more about Linux in churches in Penguin in the Pew.

Features

  • Based on the latest release of Kubuntu
  • BibleTime with multi-language support, using Frank Ruehl rich Hebrew font
  • kio-sword for Bible study integration into Konqueror
  • Several Bibles installed by default for English (KJV), Spanish (SPARV), French (LSG) and Hebrew (WLC)
  • Christian console tools: verse, bible-kjv
  • A Christian emoticons theme by default in Kopete
  • Kdict with the Easton and Hitchcock Bible dictionaries
  • Culmus Hebrew fonts
  • Improved default settings for a better Christian experience of the computer desktop